Cardi B Critiqued Trump’s Shameful Shutdown Better Than Any TV Talking Head
From her early social media presence, before she was even on Love & Hip Hop: New York, up until right now, Cardi B has consistently proven to be a brilliant marketer, adept at a building a brand and persona through her direct style of communication. This was on full display Wednesday evening, when she went on the platform that's fueled her fame, Instagram, to apply her unique perspective to President Donald Trump's shameful 27-day government shutdown-the longest in United States history.
A post shared by CARDIVENOM (@iamcardib) on Jan 16, 2019 at 2:41pm PST
“Hey y’all, I just wanted to remind you because it’s been a little over three weeks. Trump is now ordering, as in summonsing, federal government workers to go back to work without getting paid ... Now, I don't wanna hear y’all motherfuckers talking about, ‘Oh, but Obama shutdown the government for 17 days.' Yeah, bitch! For healthcare. So your grandma could check her blood pressure, and you bitches could go check your pussies at the gynaecologist with no motherfucking problem. This shit is really fucking serious, bro. This shit is crazy. Our country is in a hellhole right now, all for a fuckin’ wall. And we really need to take this seriously. I feel like we need to take some action ... Bitch, I’m scared. This is crazy. And I really feel bad for these people that gotta go to fuckin’ work to not get motherfucking paid."
Hell yes, Cardi. There's really no arguing with any of this logic. And she did it better than the talking heads on TV.
Democrats, including members of Congress, are applauding her concise analysis of the situation. So, too, are some Republicans. Ana Navarro, a Republican strategist and CNN commentator, praised Cardi's statement.
Colorful language and eyelids, but the message is loud and clear and the sentiment is shared by many Americans. @iamcardib is mad as hell and scared by the continued instability and stupidity of this White House and government. https://t.co/G96YVgv0Et
- Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) January 17, 2019
Meanwhile Democratic lawmakers-Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, Hawaii Senators Brian Schatz, and Connecticut Senators Chris Murphy-debated on Twitter whether they should retweet the video:
(Trying to decide whether or not to retweet the Cardi B video)
- Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) January 17, 2019
Omg, I had the same argument with myself 30 minutes ago!
- Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) January 17, 2019
Guys, I’m still holding my breath. Are you gonna RT Cardi B or not?
- Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 17, 2019
Even though Cardi is a successful musician and wealthy celebrity, she's never far from the woman she was growing up in the Bronx. In fact, the way she sometimes uses her platform to advocate on behalf of people without a voice is similar to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was born in the Bronx and now represents the New York City borough in Congress. Ocasio-Cortez is a noted Cardi B fan, and it's clear that these two young, powerful women share a sensibility in their use of social media and connecting with everyday Americans.
Cardi's sharp response to the president's shutdown wasn't the only message she had for Trump. Earlier on Wednesday, she posted on Instagram an even more savage takedown of Trump and his supporters.
"You promised these fucking racist rednecks that you was gonna build the wall, but you know that was impossible," Cardi said. "But they voted for you and you promised them this shit so now you have to do it. Even if motherfuckers build the wall, that's still not going to fucking prevent people coming into this country."
She then compared Trump to a thirsty, unknown rapper who just wants fame.
"Trump is like a clout chaser. He's like one of these new rap artists-they follow, they do the most for clout. And Trump wants that. Some people can have money, all the power in the world, but they really want that fame. His legacy, he wants to go down as that bad person," Cardi said. "He loves to interrupt the peace. Trump wants to be cool with basketball teams, football teams and black people. He want to be cool with them. He wants validation from what's popping right now."
Again, she's right. Trump is driven by his own ego. He has no moral compass beyond what's good for him. So the comparison is pretty damn accurate. And for other Republicans, like Tomi Lahren, who attempted to discredit Cardi's opinion because she's a rapper, maybe they should realize Cardi's as qualified to be president as Donald Trump.
Ocasio-Cortez/Cardi 2028, anyone?
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